In people with first-degree relatives (parent, child, sibling) who are celiac: 1 in 22

In people with second-degree relatives (aunt, uncle, cousin) who are celiac: 1 in 39

Estimated prevalence for African-, Hispanic- and Asian-Americans: 1 in 236

In the landmark prevalence study on celiac disease, investigators determined that 60% of children and 41% of adults diagnosed during the study were asymptomatic (without any symptoms).

During the prevalence study, researchers found that 21% of patients with a positive anti-endomysial antibody test could not receive a biopsy due to the refusal of their physician to perform the procedure or the insurance company to pay for it.

Celiac disease, an immune system reaction to gluten in the diet, is at least four times as common today as it was 50 years ago, according to findings of a Mayo Clinic study published this month in the journal Gastroenterology.

The study also found that subjects who unknowingly had celiac disease were nearly four times as likely as celiac-free subjects to have died during the 45 years of follow-up.

According to the Celiac Sprue Association, "The best and only known treatment for CD is simply this: a lifelong elimination of "gluten"."

With and Without treatment, people who are symptomatic with Celiac Disease symptoms can experience numerous troubles including:

abdominal bloating and pain

chronic diarrhea

vomiting

constipation

pale, foul-smelling, or fatty stool

weight loss

irritability

malabsorption of nutrients

failure to thrive in infants

delayed growth and short stature

delayed puberty

dental enamel defects of the permanent teeth

unexplained iron-deficiency anemia

fatigue

bone or joint pain

arthritis

bone loss or osteoporosis

depression or anxiety

tingling numbness in the hands and feet

seizures

missed menstrual periods

infertility or recurrent miscarriage

canker sores inside the mouth

an itchy skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis

A failure to stick to a Gluten-Free diet can be worse in the long run: "Untreated celiac disease damages the small intestine and interferes with nutrient absorption. Without treatment, people with celiac disease can develop complications such as osteoporosis, anemia, and cancer" (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse).
Numerous questions present themselves for any self-conscious diagnosed person and/or any person who is a caregiver or loved one for diagnosed persons.
At the same time, for various reasons, a Gluten-Free lifestyle can be very difficult for anyone.

Thus the need for Celiac Educator. The mission of Celiac Educator is to provide affordable consumer-level education and information as well as focused training of professionals upon whom those with CD and their loved ones depend.

This is "Why: Celiac Educator?" If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at nepeht@hotmail.com.